Rolls Royce delivers record sales from its Goodwood headquarters

C111968-2 Chi Rolls Royce phot kate''Chief Executive of Rolls Royce, Torsten Muller Otvos, left, with the Business Minister Mark Prisk, launching the new development at the plant.C111968-2

Neill Barston

Published:18:47Monday 09 January 2012

STAFF and management at Rolls Royce are in celebratory mood as the company celebrates its best ever sales results for 2011.

The latest figures which show that 3,538 cars were sold globally represents its finest figures to date, beating sales of the legendary Silver Shadow II in the 1970s which had previously held the title of the most in demand model in its exclusive range.

Andrew Ball, communications manager for the company belived its economy-defying sales success was down to its emphasis on quality and response to customers demands for ever more bespoke features.

British buyers flocked to buy its flagship Phantom and Ghost models, with sales up an impressive 30 per cent against a backdrop of stagnation in the motors market and wider economy.

Its Goodwood headquarters enjoyed its first ever government visit last month as Businesss Minister Mark Prisk praised staff for their efforts in delivering the latest range of cars to a broad global market. He opened its £10m expansion to its state-of-the-art production facilities.

One of its strongest export sales growths has been in Asia (up 47 per cent) North America (up 17 percent in line with the US improving economic fortunes), plus success in the Middle East, with figures up 23 per cent. There were also gains in Germany and Russia.

“We had an outstanding year in 2011 and we should take a moment to reflect on this Great British success story,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. He added: “Our business is in excellent shape. We are developing our dealer network, moving into new markets like South America, expanding our manufacturing operation in West Sussex to meet global demand and have plans to develop our product range. At the core of this extraordinary success is a dedicated, committed and, above all, passionate workforce.”